The life-styles and health behaviour of gay men
Fitzpatrick R., Dawson J., McLean J., Hart G., Boulton M.
IN the recent past, health education has understand ably focused on sexual behaviour, particularly unprotected anal sex, that is most risky in terms of HIV in relation to gay and homosexual behaviour. Other aspects of the health-related life-styles of gay men have been neglected. Three hundred and fifty six gay and homosexual men were interviewed about health behaviour. Levels of alcohol use, aspects of diet and drug use were found to be very similar to other young adult males. Forty per cent of men were currently smokers. Use of nitrites and high levels of alcohol consumption in relation to risky sex consti tute specific problems of health behaviour which may not be reached by conventional health edu cation interventions. © 1989, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.